Monday camp notes

A late practice and early newspaper deadlines means a much later blog than hoped for.

Tomorrow’s paper story is about the struggles of Darrius Heyward-Bey, as defined by another four drops and outward signs of frustration.

This space will deal with everything else from the much-anticipated first camp practice with pads, contacts and plays since the Raiders reported to Napa six days ago.

** Backup quarterback Jeff Garcia, 39, is hurt after all. After saying Garcia was not hurt Sunday, Raiders coach Tom Cable said he is hurt after all.

Garcia missed a fourth straight practice with what is now called a strained calf. He is day to day.

Charlie Frye and Bruce Gradkowski shared second-team snaps. Frye looks more accurate and fluid than the other but is behind in the playbook because of his later signing.

** New defensive coordinator John Marshall had his troops bring the blitz all day Monday — for two reasons.

One, to prepare JaMarcus Russell for the inevitable when the Chargers come to town. And two, to prepare the Raiders to return the favor.

The defense got to the quarterback five times in six plays during team drills. The middle linebacker blitzed the most, with Kirk Morrison bringing it three times.

For those wanting running back Justin Fargas to go away, it should be noted no back picked up the blitz as well as he did. One of his pickups made a deep completion to DHB possible (yes, he had more catches than drops).

** Strong safety Tyvon Branch is really fast. He lined up against Darren McFadden, who was split wide right for a go route. Branch matched him stride for stride on the deep incompletion.

** Rookie free safety Mike Mitchell did nothing noticeable. He did end up on the ground in coverage once on a different deep throw to McFadden.

** Cable blew up during the first team drill. When fullback Luke Lawton did not do whatever it was he was supposed to do, Cable lit into him loud as can be like never heard before by reporters.

After four days of teaching, mental mistakes were not taken lightly. It’s worth mentioning there were no false starts, offsides or fumbles.

** Undrafted receiver Nick Miller was the star of the day, if only for racing past Hiram Eugene and Chris Johnson and running down a tumbling catch downfield in double coverage.

** Left tackle Mario Henderson beat defensive end Trevor Scott on consecutive pass-rush drills in a one-on-one format. Scott was on the ground both times.